Big 12 media roundup: Is Kansas worthy?

Gary Bedore, Lawrence Journal-World The pollsters, who have awarded Kansas University’s football team a No. 15 national ranking, seem convinced the Jayhawks are for real. Still, KU’s players have heard whispers from more than a few naysayers.

Josh Mosley, Columbia Missourian: Opposing quarterbacks haven’t run much from the Tigers’ defense this season. Junior defensive end Stryker Sulak wants to see that change quickly.

KANSAS STATE FOOTBALL

Mark Janssen, Manhattan Mercury: One thing’s for sure. Kansas State faces a tall challenge Saturday evening in a 6:05 p.m. kickoff at Boone Pickens Stadium. Kansas State football coach Ron Prince compares it to going up against Shaq or Ben Wallace.

IOWA STATE FOOTBALL

Andrew Logue, Des Moines Register: Is Gene Chizik spinning in the right direction? A national recruiting expert says yes. Iowa State’s football coach referred to himself as a spin doctor when explaining how a disappointing season would affect recruiting.

TEXAS A&M VS. NEBRASKA

Tim Griffin for ESPN.com: It’s the kind of matchup that would traditionally have the networks salivating and fans excited across the country. But those across the country who want to follow Saturday’s Texas A&M-Nebraska game will have to pull out their satellite radios or telephones for game reports.

Brandon George, Dallas Morning News: In less than a year, Texas Tech coach Mike Leach has gone from almost completely losing touch with his players to building the strongest team unity in his eight-year tenure.

TEXAS FOOTBALL

Ricky Treon, Daily Texan: It’s just not something that usually deserves much attention from Texas players. But last Sunday, coach Mack Brown talked with his team and reminded the Longhorns what they could gain with a win this Saturday: bowl eligibility.

BAYLOR FOOTBALL

Jerry Hill, Waco Tribune-Herald: As a 17-year-old phenom, David Gettis was supposed to be the next coming of Michael Johnson, Michael Irvin and Superman all wrapped up in one.

OKLAHOMA FOOTBALL

Crimson and Cream Machine: There are three things that I noticed in Saturday night’s games that Oklahoma must fix before playing for a championship be it conference or BCS.

OKLAHOMA STATE FOOTBALL

Ryan Steele, Stillwater NewsPress: It’s hardly rare to see position changes in college football. In fact, it wouldn’t be football season at Oklahoma State these days without seeing one.